The 54-year-old died at home of natural causes, earlier this month, but news of her death wasn't made public until after her funeral at the wishes of her family.
Miss Ladele faced a long-running battle after she asked her bosses at Islington Council if she could opt out of overseeing civil partnerships for gay couples. She claimed she would have a conflict of conscience based upon her Christian beliefs about marriage.
After being told she would not be able to opt out back in 2006 she took the council to an Employment Tribunal. The case the see-sawed its way through the British, then European courts.
While she did not end up with the victory at the European Court of Human Rights, she has been credited with changing the way public authorities now look to accommodate those with a conscientious objection.
Lillian Ladele's legal case
July 2008 - Employment Tribunal finds Lillian Ladele was directly discriminated against.
December 2008 - Employment Appeal Tribunal overturns original decision.
December 2009 - Court of Appeal upholds the judgment of the Employment Appeal Tribunal.
January 2013 - European Court of Human Rights decides against Lillian Ladele, by five to two.
May 2013 - Appeal to the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights denied.
Paying tribute, Sam Webster from the Christian Institute, which supported her legal case said: "Lillian became synonymous in the minds of the public, courts and commentators with the cause of religious freedom and liberty of conscience. But throughout she conducted herself with grace, dignity and with love for those with whom she profoundly disagreed."
"Lillian's case established principles which are now impacting other cases and situations for good. It is a tribute to Lillian that official guidance now prompts public authorities to explore how they might accommodate those with a conscientious objection, including registrars."
Lillian's family released a statement saying: "She honoured and worshipped Jesus Christ in her life and her family are comforted in their grief knowing that her name was written in the book of life and that she is now with her resurrected Lord and Saviour."
Listen to Sam Webster speaking to Premier's Antony Bushfield on the News Hour.